pre natal colustrum harvesting/antenatal hand expressing

[MindfulBear]

Hi
Has anyone done this? Was it a success?
What did you do it for?
Any tips?!

Anyone?!

Yes I hand expressed colostrum from about 35 weeks as my baby was predicted to have a low birth weight and I wanted to avoid formula top ups to get his weight up (both my older boys were cows milk. rotein intolerant).

At first I used to draw up each drop of milk into a 1ml.syringe but soon was able to express enough to get 2 ml at each try. I froze each string in a large ziplock bag and took them to hospital in a cool bag when I went in to be induced.

I hand expressed from 36 weeks as I'm T1 diabetic and the baby was expected to need blood sugars regulating. I was given a bunch of syringes and expressed straight into them (take the plunger bit out and kind of drip it into the top) then stored it in the freezer. I found it fairly easy, and I'm sure it meant my milk came in earlier than usual (day 2 post section).